Work management support method and work management support system which use sensor nodes

ABSTRACT

A sensor net system including: a plurality of sensor nodes, where each sensor node is held on a person of a differing worker, and each sensor node includes; a sensor which obtains sensor data of a worker; a radio frequency circuit which notifies a server of the sensor data; and a server which includes: a unit for storing a relation list for correlating the sensor data with a work category of the worker; a unit for confirming location of the worker based on the obtained sensor data; and a unit for confirming a work category in which the worker is engaged based on the confirmed location and the relation list.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 12/058,894, filedMar. 31, 2008 (now U.S. Pat. No. 7,706,906), which is a continuation ofU.S. application Ser. No. 11/493,893, filed Jul. 27, 2006 (now U.S. Pat.No. 7,366,579). This application relates to and claims priority fromJapanese Patent Application No. 2005-295838, filed on Oct. 11, 2005. Theentirety of the contents and subject matter of all of the above isincorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a method which uses electroniccircuitry with a wireless communication function to stimulate businesscommunications and strengthen cooperation among workers.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

With the recent innovations of information technology as exemplified bythe Internet, e-mails, and inexpensive long distance calls, firms'decision making processes seem to be in transition from top-downapproaches to decentralization of decision making authority. Now thatthe sort of information that only senior executives involved inmanagement could access in the past can be instantly accessed by anyemployee, it becomes indispensable in competition with other companiesthat workers at worksites make decisions by themselves as promptly aspossible. In this connection, it is important that workers cooperate ina flexible manner to reach an optimum solution in the possible shortesttime.

Methods of supporting decision making processes include BSC (BalanceScore Card) and the commitment list method. The BSC method emphasizesconsiderations in the aspects of finance, customer, process, and growth.When a decision is made paying attention to balancing among theseaspects, a biased judgment can be avoided. In addition, whenquantifiable data such as sales and the number of customers are used asindicators for evaluation (metrics) as far as possible, achievements canbe made visible.

The commitment list method is a method of expressing business goals inwritten form. Specifically, commitment lists include descriptions ofgoals and undertakings as agreed at meetings or by discussions; andtasks, employees in charge, deadline, dependence on other tasks,conditions, and achievement criteria are written there. These listsshould tell who is committed to achieving what kind of goals and how thecurrent situation is. Therefore, information on items and conditionsshould be updated periodically and accessible.

Also, a method of strengthening cooperation among workers, has beenproposed in which e-mails among workers are grasped and analyzed andtheir interrelations and frequencies are visualized in the form ofgraphs or the like for use as a reference material for making decisionson organizational change (IBM, “Organizational Communication Diagnosis”http://www-1.ibm.com/services/jp/index.wss/offering/bcs/a1011037,searched on Oct. 4, 2005). Concretely, which department plays a key rolein communications, or conversely which department is responsible forcommunication trouble are found and the findings may be used asindicators.

In recent years, a network system which uses sensors with a smallelectric circuit having a wireless communication function to inputvarious types of information from the real world into data processors inreal time (hereinafter called a “sensor net”) has been underconsideration. Such sensor nets have a wide range of potentialapplications; one example is a medical application in which patientconditions such as pulsation are constantly monitored using afinger-ring type miniature electronic circuit which integrates awireless circuit, a processor, a sensor and a battery and a monitoringresult is transmitted to a diagnostic device through wirelesscommunications so that a health condition can be checked based on themonitoring result (Sokwoo Rhee et al. “Artifact-ResistantPower-Efficient Design of Finger-Ring Plethysmographic Sensors,” IEEETransactions On Biomedical Engineering, Vol. 48, No. 7, July 2001, pp.795-805).

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

On the other hand, the former methods, BSC and the commitment listmethod, do not ensure real-time data communications though they areuseful in indicating the manager's policy or knowing how workers. Thesemethods have a general tendency that since BSC or commitment list datais corrected, checked and transmitted manually, it takes time to updatethe data and the data is updated only weekly or monthly. As aconsequence, even if a work problem occurs, it cannot be detectedimmediately and a prompt remedial action cannot be taken. Also, if aproblem occurs inside an organization, or when there is some change inan external environment and the manager revises the organizationalpolicy or goal, a delay may occur in notifying the workers of therevision and thus waste of labor may result.

Furthermore, regarding cooperation among workers, analysis of e-mails inthe former methods only reveals how frequently a worker accesses anotherworker. What may be important to strengthen cooperation among workers isthat workers responsible for similar tasks cooperate or workers skilledin a specific field cooperate with workers interested in the field.

In order to achieve this, the following problems must be solved. First,the manager and workers must be able to exchange informationinteractively in as much real-time as possible. Therefore, the firstproblem is that the manager should be able to know in real time whatwork the workers are doing at their worksites. Particularly it isdesirable that the manager can know which worker is engaged in whichwork category listed in the commitment list and how much.

The second problem is that the manager should be able to communicatehis/her policy to workers or give them an instruction about prioritiesof tasks in as much real time as possible.

On the other hand, cooperation among workers must be strengthened.Concretely, or as the third problem, it is important that, while aworker is at work (for example, he/she is in a meeting or drawing up adocument or on the phone), he/she can know in real time which worker isinvolved in a related task and can access the worker immediately.

As the fourth problem, it may be important that a worker associated withthe work (meeting, phone conversation or the like) can be notified inreal time that a task related to the work is being performed.

The present invention provides the following solutions to the aboveproblems.

The solution to the first problem is to use data as a sensing result, acommitment list and a relation list which defines the relation betweenthe sensing result data and commitment list items so that workcategories in which workers are engaged and working hours areautomatically detected and detection results are automatically reflectedin the commitment list. For each worker, this system can detect a factthat a worker stays in close proximity to another worker, sense sound orvoice through a microphone, extract a keyword from a document producedor accessed on a PC, and enable a worker to explicitly specify a workcategory using a sensor node.

As for the second problem, the invention offers a solution as follows:when a manager gives an instruction about priorities or the order ofpriority to a commitment list, a relevant worker and a relevant workcategory are identified according to the commitment list and a priorityinstruction is sent to the sensor node which the worker wears anddisplayed on the LCD of the sensor node as a display device.

As for the third problem, the invention offers a solution as follows. Awork category in which each worker is engaged, a keyword and workinghours are recorded in a commitment list and a relation list, and eachworker enters a keyword in an interest list according to his/herinterest. Then, the behavior of a first worker is monitored through amicrophone or by extracting a keyword from a document produced oraccessed on a PC and also an explicit specification of a work categorythrough a sensor node is received. From this, a work category orrelevant keyword is extracted. After that, a second worker related tothe extracted work category or keyword is searched from the commitmentlists, relation lists and interest lists as mentioned above. If there isa worker which is related to it, information on the second worker issent to the sensor node which the first worker wears. At the same time,the current location of the first worker is detected by a base stationinstalled in each room or a sensor installed on the chair of each workerand the current location information is shown on a nearby displaydevice, namely a monitor in each room or each worker's PC.

As a solution to the fourth problem, the sensor node of the secondworker detected in the process described in connection with the thirdproblem shows that work relevant to his/her work is underway.

The present invention promotes communications between a manager andworkers, thereby enabling decision making at the worker level. In such adecision making process and a subsequent implementation process, it ispossible to maximize cooperation among workers while paying utmostattention to the manager's intention.

If cooperation among workers is strengthened in this way, a betterdecision can be made in a shorter time. In addition, a more suitableworker for a specific work category can be accessed withoutintermediation of the manager.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention will be more particularly described with reference to theaccompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 shows a management support system according to an embodiment ofthe present invention;

FIG. 2 shows a commitment list according to an embodiment of theinvention;

FIG. 3 shows a relation list according to an embodiment of theinvention;

FIG. 4 shows a flow in which cooperation with another worker is sensedand the sensing result is reflected in a commitment list;

FIG. 5 shows how a commitment list is displayed according to anembodiment of the invention;

FIG. 6 shows a flow in which a keyword is extracted from a documentproduced on a PC or a conversation and reflected in a commitment list;

FIG. 7 shows a flow in which a work category is explicitly specified bythe use of a sensor node and this information is reflected in acommitment list;

FIG. 8 shows a sensor node screen on which a worker specifies a workcategory in which he/she will be engaged;

FIG. 9 shows a flow in which according to a priority instruction forwork categories indicated in a commitment list a relevant worker isidentified and the instruction is sent to the worker and displayed;

FIG. 10 shows a flow in which a second worker related to a firstworker's current work is extracted based on commitment lists, relationlists and interest lists containing keywords, and information on thesecond worker is displayed on the first worker's sensor node;

FIG. 11 shows a display screen of the sensor node of the first workershown in FIG. 10 according to an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 12 shows a display screen of the sensor node of the first workershown in FIG. 10 according to an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 13 shows a flow in which a second worker related to a firstworker's current work is extracted based on commitment lists, relationlists and interest lists containing keywords, and information on thefirst worker is displayed on the second worker's sensor node accordingto an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 14 shows a display screen of the sensor node of the second workershown in FIG. 13 according to an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 15 shows a flow in which an interest list is updated by sensing aworker at work according to an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 16 shows a flow in which commitment lists are consolidated and aconsolidated list is displayed according to an embodiment of theinvention;

FIG. 17 shows a consolidated list as a result of consolidation in FIG.16 according to an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 18 shows a flow in which search conditions for commitment lists arespecified on a PC and when a commitment list is updated based on sensingresult data, comparison is made in search conditions and, if theconditions are satisfied, the result is transmitted to a relevant sensornode and displayed there, according to an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 19 shows how the sensor node in FIG. 18 shows the result accordingto an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 20 shows a flow in which a commitment list is made by e-mail;

FIG. 21 shows an e-mail format used in the flow of FIG. 20 according toan embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 22 shows a commitment list display form according to an embodimentof the invention;

FIG. 23 shows an embodiment of the invention in which sensor nodeterminals which show commitment lists are used as remote controllers orviewers of various mobile terminals such as mobile phones and mobilemusic devices;

FIG. 24 illustrates e-mails, a phone call record and an answer to areceived call in connection with the mobile phone shown in FIG. 23according to an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 25 illustrates displays and operation related to service whichdepends on the location of the wearer of a sensor node as shown in FIG.23;

FIG. 26 illustrates clock displays and a clock design selection functionas shown in FIG. 23 according to an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 27 illustrates service information displays concerning a commitmentlist, status change and contact with a person, according to anembodiment of the invention; and

FIG. 28 illustrates e-mails, a phone call record and an answer to areceived call in connection with the mobile phone shown in FIG. 23according to an embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Next, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be describedin detail referring to the accompanying drawings. Like elements aredesignated by like reference numerals.

FIG. 1 shows a basic system configuration according to the invention. Aworker WRK1 holds a sensor node SN0 which is mounted on a wristband orname tag. The sensor node SN0 is composed of a processor circuit CPU0, aradio frequency circuit RF0, a sensor SNS0 for sound, acceleration,temperature or pulsation, a memory MEM0 for storing a management supportprogram MS2, a button IN0, and an output device OUT0 such as an LCD, LEDor buzzer. The information sensed by the sensor node SN0 and theinformation given by the sensor node SN0 are sent respectively throughwireless communication WC1 and wireless communication WC3 to a basestation device BS1 or BS2. On the other hand, a work priorityinstruction or work-related information is sent through wirelesscommunication WC2 from the base station device BS1 to the sensor nodeSN0. The information which the base station BS1 has received is storedin a server SV1 through a wired network LAN1. The server SV1 stores notonly sensor data SD1 but also a commitment list CL1, an interest listCK1 and a relation list RL1 which will be explained later. It alsostores a list containing search conditions FL1 and a list DL1 containingdisplay items which will be described later. Also, on the wired networkLAN1, a computer PC1 on which a manager MNG1 makes an access or gives aninstruction (MA1) is connected. PC1 stores a management support programMS1. A computer PC2 which is used by a worker is also connected on thewired network LAN1. PC2 is connected with: a keyboard KE1 and a mouseMO1 which are used to make a document or commitment list (WR1), an IPphone PH1 for conversation (CV2), and a barcode/IC tag reader RD1 forreading a barcoded or tagged medium DO1 (RD2) which is visually checkedby a worker (L1). PC1 may be connected with similar input and outputdevices.

The base station BS1 is connected with a camera CO1 and a microphone MI1so that conversation with another worker WKR2 (CV1) is sensed by themicrophone MI1 (SNS1). Alternatively, each sensor node SN0 mayincorporate a microphone.

Hereinafter, all the pieces of hardware described above and softwareprograms which run on them, namely the sensor node SN0 and the basestation BS1, various sensors, server SV1 and PCs which are connected onthe wired network LAN1, and a management support system which runs onthem are collectively called the sensor net system SS.

FIG. 2 shows an example of a commitment list according to thisembodiment. In this embodiment, it is assumed that there are threeworkers A, B, and C as indicated in row RW. The worker WKR1 is in chargeof four work categories W1 to W4 as indicated in row RI. Likewise, theworker B is responsible for two work categories W1 and W2 and the workerC is responsible only for work W1. In each line of this list, itemsrelated to each work category are written. For example, row RP is usedfor a presupposed item; row RA for an item which will have an influencelater; row RST for a scheduled date of start; and row RD for deadline.These items are defined by the manager or workers in advance and entriesare made for them. In addition, the number of man-hours for which therelevant worker has been engaged in the relevant work in a given period(for example, a week) is written in row RH, and a total of suchman-hours is written in row RHT (these two types of data are updated byanalysis of sensor data as needed). The current phase in each workcategory is written in row RPH. For example, the process of each workcategory includes the following phases: “not started” to “definition” to“proposal” to “negotiation” to “agreement” to “execution” to “reporting”to “evaluation” to “acceptance or refusal” to “finished.” Row RScontains status information about the relevant work (current situationor change). For example, such status information may concern an update,delay or new listing.

FIG. 3 shows a list (relation list RL1) concerning the commitment listCL1 and various work categories. The relation list RL1 is referred towhen sensor data of a worker is to be analyzed to know which work theworker is doing. The tables shown in FIG. 3 define the work categorieswhich the worker WRK1 is supposed to be engaged in. Regarding the fourwork categories W1 to W4, the first table in FIG. 3, RL11, showskeywords associated with other workers who work together with the workerWRK1 and relevant work categories. For example, in the first line of thetable RL11 of FIG. 3, the work category W1 is defined as follows. Inthis case, a keyword “WKR2” in row RC is interpreted to mean that whenthe worker WKR1 is working with the worker WKR2, they are doing work W1.Similarly, when a keyword in the row RK is detected, it is interpretedto be connected with work W1. Also, detailed information on the coworkerdefined in the first table RL11 is entered in the second table RL12. Inthe second table, telephone number is entered in row RT; mail address inrow RM; location is entered in row RR; the identification number of thename tag or wristband of the relevant coworker is entered in row RNN;and the identification number of the seat node where the worker isseated is entered in row RCN.

FIG. 4 shows an embodiment of the present invention. First, the workerWKR1 makes a commitment list CL1 for the server SV1 (WA11). Thecommitment list CL1 is as shown in FIG. 2. Then, the worker WKR1 makes arelation list RL1 which defines the relation between work categoriesindicated in the commitment list CL1 and the work which the worker isgoing to do (WA12). These steps should be taken before work is startedactually. Then, work is started actually (WA13). Here, let's say thatthe worker WKR works with the worker WKR2. In this case, the sensor netsystem SS first searches for another worker working near the worker WKR1(SA11). Whether workers are working together nearby can be confirmed,for example, by identifying the base station with which the node SN0 ofthe worker WKR1 is communicating and looking for another worker who iscommunicating with the same base station. Let's say that it has beenthus confirmed that the worker WKR2 is working near, and together with,the worker WKR1. Next, the sensor net system SS decides which workcategory in the commitment list corresponds to the work which theworkers are doing (SA12). Concretely, it checks the relation list RL1 tosee whether or not the coworker is registered there. In this case, itchecks the relation list for the worker WKR1 as shown in FIG. 3 andconfirms that the work which he/she is doing together with the coworkerWKR2 is work W1. At the same time, the senor net system SS measures thetime for which the workers WKR1 and WKR2 have worked together. Afterthat, it updates the data on actually measured man-hours in acorresponding line of the rows RH and RHT of the commitment list CL1(SA13). The corresponding line is identified based on the relevantworker name (code) and relation list data. In this case, since work W1for the worker WKR1 is relevant, the corresponding line is the firstline in the table of FIG. 2. The commitment list CL1 is thus updatedautomatically and accessed by the manager (MA11).

FIG. 5 shows a screen which is accessed by the manager MNG1 according toan embodiment of the invention. In this figure, W50 represents a windowwhich appears on a PC. W51 represents a pull-down box to select whetherto access individual workers or a team. W52 represents a pull-down boxto select which worker to be accessed. In the case of the commitmentlist shown in FIG. 2, three workers WKR1, WKR2 and WKR3 are selectable.W53 represents a pull-down box where it is possible to select whetherdata is graphically shown as sorted by work category, worker orlocation. FIG. 5 shows data sorted by work category. W54 represents aresult display area. Work categories which the worker WKR1 was engagedin on a day are graphically shown in chronological order. W55 representsa related information display field which shows information obtainedthrough the sensor when the worker WKR1 was engaged in a relevant workcategory. Let's say that the sensing result reveals that the coworkerwith whom the worker WKR1 was engaged in work 3 was the worker WKR2 andthey worked in meeting room A. When each seat in meeting room A isequipped with a microphone, it may be possible to detect through themicrophones what percentage of time in a given time zone was spent ondiscussion and know which person (person in which seat) spoke. Let's saythat 90 percent of time in the time zone was spent on discussion and theworker WKR1 spoke with a speech frequency of 50%. W55 in FIG. 5 showshow this information is presented. In W56, the same information as thegraphically presented information in W54 is presented in tabular form.

FIG. 6 shows a variation of the embodiment shown in FIG. 4 where thework in which the worker is engaged is determined from a document beingproduced or conversation. Here, a commitment list CL1 and a relationlist RL1 are made in the same way as in the case of FIG. 4. What shouldbe done next is actual work (WA63). Let's say that the task is to make adocument such as a report or e-mail. In this case, the sensor net systemSS first extracts a keyword from the document being produced or accessedon the PC in use by the worker WKR1 (SA61). Then, the sensor net systemSS detects which work category in the commitment list corresponds to thework in which the worker is currently engaged. Concretely, it checks therelation list to see whether the keyword is written there. In this case,it checks the relation list (FIG. 3) for the worker WKR1 and confirmsthat the keyword, for example, “wristband node” corresponds to work W2.

At the same time, the senor net system SS measures the time for whichthe worker WKR1 worked to make and edit the document. After that, itupdates the data on actually measured man-hours in the correspondingline of the rows RH and RHT of the commitment list CL1 (SA63). Thecommitment list CL1 thus updated automatically can be accessed by themanager (MA11). Even in the case of conversation, the process issimilar: the conversation is sensed through microphones, voice analysisis made to extract a keyword, and the work category which corresponds tothe keyword is found.

FIG. 7 shows another variation of the embodiment shown in FIG. 4 wherethe worker explicitly specifies the work which he/she is going to do.Here, a commitment list CL1 and a relation list RL1 are made in the sameway as in the case of FIG. 4. What should be done next is actual work(WA74). In this case, prior to actual work, the worker selects a workcategory (WA73). The selection process is exemplified in FIG. 8. Thesteps to be taken after the selection are the same as in the flow shownin FIG. 4.

In another embodiment, RFID or a barcode showing keyword information orwork ID information is added to a document which the worker reads or amachine which the worker uses and prior to actual work, it is read tospecify the work which the worker is going to do.

FIG. 8 shows a sensor node screen on which the worker selects the workwhich he/she is going to do and how to operate. SN0 represents awristband sensor node which the worker wears. It has a display screenW8, an OK button B1 to accept or cancel, and a shift button B2 to movethe cursor on the screen. The display screen W8 includes a work categoryselection window W81 and a message window W82. The work categoryselection window W81 shows information on the person wearing this nodefrom the commitment list shown in FIG. 2 which has been sent from thebase station BS1 wirelessly. Here, it includes rows concerning a workcategory, deadline (RD) and the phase of the work category (RPH). Italso includes a row RPR indicating priority (which will be describedlater). Furthermore, it includes a row RC showing the work category inwhich the worker is currently engaged, where the current work is marked.If the worker is going to change the work, he/she first moves the cursorto the row RC in the window W81 and pushes the OK button B1. This makesthe mark movable. Next, the worker moves the markup or down using theshift button B2, aligns it to the line of the work which he/she is goingto do next and pushes the OK button B1. The next work category isselected in this way. The window W82 shows a message which depends onthe selection made here. The input data is sent to the server bywireless communication WC1.

FIG. 9 shows a method of propagating the manager's policy in a timelymanner based on the process shown in FIG. 4 where the manager specifiespriorities. Here, the worker WKR1 makes a commitment list CL1 and arelation list RL1 in the same way as in the case of FIG. 4. What shouldbe done next is actual work (WA93). In this case, prior to actual work,the manager MNG1 accesses the commitment list CL1 (MA91) and specifiespriorities or the order of priority of various work categories. Forexample, the manager sets a flag for the work to be prioritized ornumbers the work categories in the order of priority. If the manager hasdone so, the sensor net system SS finds the worker corresponding to thehigh priority work and sends a message notifying that his/her work has ahigh priority, to his/her sensor node SN0. The sensor node SN0 which hasreceived the message identifies the work which has a high priority andshows on its screen that the work has a priority. For instance, as inthe case of FIG. 9, the screen may include the row RPR indicatingpriorities or the order of priority.

FIG. 10 shows a method of deepening cooperation among workers as anotherembodiment of the present invention. First, in FIG. 10, an example ofsupport by the worker WKR2 is illustrated. The worker WKR1 first makes acommitment list CL1 and a relation list RL1 in the same way as in thecase of FIG. 4. Similarly the worker WKR2 makes a commitment list CL1and enters the content of his/her work in the commitment list. Theworker WKR2 also enters keywords for related workers or matters orworkers or matters of his/her interest in an interest list CK1. What theworker WKR1 should do next is action (WA10). Let's say that the actionis a meeting.

In this case, the sensor net system SS senses action WA10 (SA101) andextracts a keyword from the conversation underway there or a documentproduced on the PC (particularly in the case of a meeting, apresentation material or minutes). When it has successfully identified akeyword, the sensor net system SS refers to the commitment list CL1,relation list RL1 and interest list CK1 and picks up a person who isclosely related to the keyword or interested in the keyword. Concretely,the system checks the keyword row RK in the relation list RL1 of FIG. 3to see whether the keyword is written there. It also makes reference tothe interest list CK1 and checks whether the keyword is listed there.The system investigates the location, point of contact and current workof the worker associated with the keyword (SA103). Concretely, thelocation is confirmed by identifying the base station with which thenode SN0 of the worker is communicating. For the point of contact, themail address and phone number of the worker is picked up from therelation list. For the current work, the work category in which theworker is currently engaged is picked up using the process shown in FIG.4 or the like. Lastly, information on the current location, point ofcontact and current work of each such worker is sent through a basestation to the sensor node SN0 of the worker WKR1 or the PC in the roomwhere the worker WKR1 stays (SA104). The device which has received suchinformation displays a message according to the information. An exampleof the display is shown in FIG. 11. When the above steps have beentaken, the worker WKR1 can know who is closely related to the currentwork and what kind of work that person is now engaged in and where.

When several workers related to the current work are successfully pickedup, the workers may be listed in the order of relevance in order toincrease convenience for those who will receive the information. Forinstance, if a relation list includes a relevant keyword, the systemchecks the number of man-hours RHT for the relevant work category in thecorresponding line of the relevant commitment list CL1. From this, it ispossible to know how many hours the worker has been engaged in the workrelated to the keyword. The numbers of hours which various workers havespent on the work are compared. Since a worker who has spent a longertime may be considered to be related to the work more closely, a higherpriority is given to the worker in the displayed list.

If a worker's relation list and interest list includes the keyword, acoworker who is working with that worker may have some kind ofinformation related to the keyword. Therefore, when related workers arelisted, it is desirable to list coworkers who are working with them aswell. Concretely, the row RC for coworkers in the relation list RL1 ischecked to identify a coworker and a corresponding commitment list CL1is checked to find the collaborating time spent with the coworker. Suchcoworkers are listed in the descending order of collaborating time.

FIG. 11 shows a screen which lists persons related to the work categoryin which a worker is engaged as shown in FIG. 10. Let's say that theworker WKR1 now wears the device as illustrated in FIG. 11 and isengaged in work W3. The sensor net system picks up persons closelyrelated to work W3 using the process shown in FIG. 10 and sends theinformation to the sensor node SN of the worker WKR1. In the messagewindow W82 of the node which received it, related workers are listed inthe order of relevance. When an interface is available to specify,before these workers starts working, whether or not they allow anotherperson to contact them during the current work or what kind of means maybe used to contact them (for example, telephone, mail, meeting inperson), such information can also be displayed at the same time. Forexample, as the interface, a sensor node SN or PC may be used to specifywhether or not contact with a worker is allowed or specify how toaccess. Instead of the above method in which these matters aredetermined before start of work, a possible alternative approach is thata commitment list CL1 includes a row which specifies whether to allowcontact with a worker and a row which specifies how to access and theinformation in these rows is displayed unless otherwise specified.

If the sensor node of the worker WKR1 is communicating with the basestation in the meeting room A and the worker WKR1 is assumed to stay inthe meeting room A, the same information may appear on a PC or projectorscreen in the meeting room A.

If it is found from the sensor built in the worker WKR1's chair that theworker WKR1 is seated on the chair and the worker WKR1's PC is in use,the same information may appear on the screen of the worker WKR1's PC.

FIG. 12 shows an embodiment which is different from the one shown inFIG. 11, where a keyword related to the work in which a worker isengaged is picked up and workers related to the keyword are listed. Asin the case of FIG. 11, related workers are listed in the order ofrelevance in the message window W82.

FIGS. 13 and 14 concern notification of related work which is anotherimportant thing in deepening cooperation among workers. When it isdetected through the process shown in FIG. 10 that the worker WKR1 is ina meeting, workers who are likely to be interested in the meeting isnotified according to the flow shown in FIG. 13. First the worker WKR1makes a commitment list CL1 and a relation list RL1 in the same way asin the case of FIG. 10. Similarly the worker WKR2 makes a commitmentlist CL1 and an interest list CK1. What the worker WKR1 should do nextis action (WA13). Let's say that the action is a meeting.

In this case, the sensor net system SS senses action WA13 (SA101) andextracts a keyword from the conversation underway there or a documentproduced on the PC (particularly in the case of a meeting, apresentation material or minutes). Then, the sensor net system SSsearches to see whether the extracted keyword is included in an interestlist (SA112). If the keyword exists, for example, in the worker WKR2'sinterest list, the location and current work of the worker WKR2 areidentified (SA113) and the worker WKR2 is notified that the meeting isunderway (SA114). Concretely a notification is transmitted to the sensornode of the worker WKR2 and its screen shows the notification asillustrated in FIG. 14 (which will be described later).

In this case, it is also possible that the location of the worker WKR2is identified from the base station with which the sensor node of theworker WKR2 is communicating, the work category in which the worker WKR2is currently engaged is detected through the process shown in FIG. 4 andwhether or not the worker WKR2 should be notified is determineddepending on the detection result. If the worker WKR2 is in a meetingroom or conversing with another person, the notification is nottransmitted because it might interrupt his/her current work.

FIG. 14 exemplifies how the data which the sensor net system SS hastransmitted according to the flow shown in FIG. 13 appears on the screenof the sensor node of the worker WKR2. As in the case of FIG. 11, themessage window W82 indicates that related work is underway and showswhich worker is engaged in it, and the worker's location and status andhow to access the worker.

FIG. 15 illustrates how an interest list as shown in FIG. 10, etc. isautomatically updated. After a worker makes an interest list (WA151), ifa keyword related to the worker is extracted, it can be automaticallyentered in the interest list (SA151). In this case, it is also possibleto arrange that a threshold for the number of times of keywordappearance is preset and only when the number of times of appearance ofa keyword exceeds the threshold, the keyword is added to the interestlist. If that is the case, keywords which are not so relevant are notentered in the interest list.

FIG. 16 shows another embodiment concerning access to a commitment listin the flow shown in FIG. 4. When a commitment list CL1 is updated inthe same way as shown in FIG. 4, at the same time the sensor net systemSS sorts and consolidates all data in commitment lists of individualworkers on the basis of work category or the like (SA161) and stores thedata as a consolidated list SL1. This method is convenient for themanager because he/she can know not only the working situation of eachindividual worker but also get the whole picture of each work categorysimply by accessing such consolidated lists.

In this case, if relevant customer and relevant cost center (budgetcode) information is previously entered in each line of the commitmentlist shown in FIG. 2, it can be shown or data can be consolidated on arelevant customer or cost center basis. FIG. 17 shows an example of alist which indicates relevant customers and cost centers.

FIG. 18 shows an example of a combination of a PC and a sensor node inthe system shown in FIG. 4 or a similar system. The worker WKR1 makes acommitment list CL1 and a relation list RL1 in the same way as in thecase of FIG. 4. Then the manager MNG1 specifies the work category,worker, phase and keyword to be monitored, as search conditions (MA181).Let's say that the manager enters the following conditional expression:(worker WKR1 and Definition) or (worker WKR1 and W2). In this case, themanager should be able to monitor the worker WKR1 when the worker is inthe phase of definition or engaged in work W2. Then, when the workerWKR1 actually enters into the definition phase, the sensor net system SSdecides whether the situation complies with the conditional expression.If it complies with the conditional expression, a notice of suchcompliance is transmitted to the sensor node SN0 of the manager anddisplayed on its screen as shown in FIG. 19 (which will be describedlater).

Consequently the manager can obtain information in real time withoutaccessing the PC. It is not adequate to transmit all work information toa sensor node because the sensor node does not have enough electriccapacity to deal with such communication and display and its displayscreen is not large enough to display it. The search function can beused to transmit and display only important information.

FIG. 19 shows a display example of information as a result of search andextraction which are made by the process shown in FIG. 18. The messagewindow W82 notifies of the work to be monitored and its start and end.

FIGS. 20 and 21 concern a case that an instruction to make a commitmentlist is given and a commitment list is made using e-mails in the processas shown in FIG. 4 or a similar process. A keyword which should beincluded in an e-mail is predetermined and a commitment list and arelation list are made by e-mail analysis. For example, it may be a rulethat a character string which follows a keyword “list:” denotes a workcategory or a character string which follows a keyword “deadline:”denotes a due date. Similarly, keywords assigned to rows in thecommitment list and relation list and how to interpret the keywords aredefined. The sensor net system SS stores a program which interprets therules and interprets a received e-mail in accordance with the rules sothat new lines are added to the commitment list or relation list of thesender of the e-mail.

This process is exemplified in FIG. 20. The manager MNG1 first sends theworker WKR1 an instruction to add a new item by e-mail (MA201). Anexample of this mail is shown as M1 in FIG. 21. Here, a keyword in lineL1 suggests a work category and similarly due date appears in line L2.Line L3 and subsequent lines are used for body text of the mail whichmay be written in any format. On the other hand, the worker WKR1 whichhas received the mail adds other necessary information to his/hercommitment list and relation list (WA201) and forwards the mail tosensor net server SS (WA202). M2 in FIG. 21 indicates the forwarded mailwhere line L4 for coworkers and line L5 for a related keyword are added.As a result of transmission of this mail, a new line for W5 in L1 isadded to the commitment list CL1 shown in FIG. 2; and in the commitmentlist, “WKR1” is entered in row RW, “W5” in RI, “none” in RP and RA,“9/31” in RD, “0” (default) in RH and RHT and “Not started” (default) inRPH.

FIG. 22 shows another embodiment which visualizes a commitment list CL1.In a finishing schedule list FL1, work categories are listed in theorder in which they will be finished. Also, in a starting schedule listSL1, work categories are listed in the order in which they will bestarted. Which work should be supported urgently or requires urgentsupport can be known by reference to these lists.

The finishing schedule list FL1 and the starting schedule list SL1 maybe presented as follows: they may be stored as files in the server ordisplayed on a PC for real-time access via a Web browser or displayed ona big screen installed in a room for real-time access. If a big screenlike an airport arrival/departure display board is installed so as toenable all workers to look at it, it will encourage the workers to havea common sense of purpose and a common awareness of the importance ofcooperation and know the individual workers' work processes andachievements.

FIG. 23 shows an embodiment in which sensor node devices are not onlyused to display a commitment list but used as controllers or viewers ofvarious mobile devices. In addition to the functions of the embodimentshown in FIG. 1, this embodiment provides other various functions. Suchfunctions include: a function of displaying a commitment list and suchinformation as phase change and history as illustrated in FIG. 28; an“encounter service” function with which makes it possible to select aperson and get in contact with that person. In addition, when the workerWKR1's mobile phone HP1 and sensor node SN0 are equipped with a wirelessmodule for Bluetooth short-distance radio communications, etc.,transmission and reception of e-mails as illustrated in FIG. 24 arepossible. It is also possible to refer to telephone call records or sendan answer message upon reception of an incoming call. When the workerWKR's mobile music device is equipped with a similar wireless function,it is possible to select a piece of music or stop playback asillustrated in FIG. 25. Furthermore, it is also possible to identify inwhich environment the worker WKR1 is now, from the base station devicewith which the sensor node SN0 of the worker WKR1 is communicating. Thisfunction can be used to provide a special service dedicated to theenvironment as illustrated in FIG. 26. The timer function of the CPUmodule CPU0 of the sensor node SN0 can be used to display a clock on thesensor node SN0. Particularly when an LCD screen is used, a displaydesign can be selected from among many design options.

FIG. 28 shows an embodiment concerning the display and operation for acommitment list and the display and operation for “encounter service.”In the figure, 2801 to 2811 represent LCD screens at a certain time.2801 shows a screen which appears just after start, indicating aninactive status where the worker can choose a function. As the workerselects the option “Work,” the screen changes to screen 2802. On thescreen 2802, the worker can choose one form various options including“Worker,” “Commitment list,” and “Category.” If the worker chooses “Myaction,” work categories for which the worker is responsible appear onscreen 2803, for example, in the order of deadline urgency in thecommitment list. As the worker chooses a work category there, details ofthe work category appear on screen 2804. The work phase for the workcategory can be changed on the next screen 2805. If the worker choosesthe option “Display history” there, a history screen 2806 appears. Then,as the worker chooses a desired option there, related information suchas the date of execution, worker in charge, evaluator, and evaluator'scomment appears on screen 2807.

If the worker has chosen the option “Encounter” on the screen 2801, ascreen for options concerning how to choose the person to be contactedappears like screen 2808. If the worker chooses the option “Member list”there, a list of persons which the worker can contact appears. The listcan be based on the commitment list. After selection of the person to becontacted, the current location of that person as extracted from thesensor net system SS and the person's schedule as extracted from arelevant schedule list are shown like screen 2810. As the worker choosesan option, a screen for selection of the contact method appears likescreen 2811. If the worker chooses the option “Please contact me,” ane-mail may be sent to the person and a message can be sent to theperson's sensor node to show the message there.

According to the present invention, in a business group, it is easy tograsp in real time what kind of work each worker is engaged in and alsoa manager's policy and an instruction about priority can be sent toworkers in real time and a worker can easily access another workerskilled in the work in which he/she is now engaged.

What is claimed is:
 1. A sensor net system comprising: a plurality of sensor nodes, where each sensor node is held on a person of a differing worker, and each sensor node includes; a sensor which obtains sensor data of a worker; a radio frequency circuit which notifies a server of the sensor data; and where the server includes: a unit for storing a relation list for correlating the sensor data with a work category of the worker; a unit for confirming a location of the worker based on the obtained sensor data, a unit for confirming a coworker who works together with the worker based on a plurality of obtained sensor data; and a unit for confirming a work category in which the worker is engaged based on a combination of the confirmed location and the coworker and the relation list.
 2. The sensor net system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the location of the worker is confirmed by identifying a base station with which the sensor node of the worker is communicating.
 3. The sensor net system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the unit for confirming the coworker, confirms the coworker based on a plurality of locations confirmed by the unit for confirming the location.
 4. The sensor net system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the coworker is confirmed by identifying a base station with which the sensor node of the worker is communicating, and looking for another sensor node which is communicating with the same base station.
 5. The sensor net system as claimed in claim 1, wherein confirmed work categories for the worker are graphically shown in chronological order on a display unit connected to the server.
 6. The sensor net system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the location of the worker is displayed on a display unit connected to the server.
 7. The sensor net system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the location where the worker and the coworker are engaged in the work category is displayed on a display unit connected to the server.
 8. The sensor net system as claimed in claim 1, wherein a work barometer when the worker is engaged in the work category, is displayed on a display unit connected to the server based on a plurality of obtained sensor data.
 9. The sensor net system as claimed in claim 8, wherein the work barometer is a degree of activity or a speech frequency.
 10. A server comprising: a unit for receiving a plurality of sensor data obtained by a plurality of sensor nodes, where each sensor node is held on a person of a differing worker; a unit for storing a relation list for correlating the sensor data with a work category of a worker; a unit for confirming location of the worker based on the obtained sensor data, a unit for confirming a coworker who works together with the worker based on a plurality of obtained sensor data; and a unit for confirming a work category in which the worker is engaged, based on a combination of the confirmed location and the coworker and the relation list.
 11. The server as claimed in claim 10, wherein the location of the worker is confirmed by identifying a base station with which the sensor node of the worker is communicating.
 12. The server as claimed in claim 10, wherein the unit for confirming the coworker confirms the coworker based on a plurality of locations confirmed by the unit for confirming location.
 13. The server as claimed in claim 10, wherein the coworker is confirmed by identifying a base station with which the sensor node of the worker is communicating, and looking for another sensor node which is communicating with the same base station.
 14. The server as claimed in claim 10, wherein the server is connected to a display unit for displaying confirmed work categories for the worker, said confirmed work categories being graphically shown in chronological order.
 15. The server as claimed in claim 10, wherein the server is connected to a display unit for displaying the location where the worker and the coworker are engaged in the work category.
 16. A server comprising: a unit for receiving a plurality of sensor data obtained by a plurality of sensor nodes, where each sensor node is held on a person of a differing worker; a unit for storing a relation list for correlating the sensor data with a work category of the worker; a unit for confirming location of the worker based on the obtained sensor data; a unit for confirming a coworker who works together with the worker, based on a plurality of obtained sensor data; and a unit for confirming a work category in which the worker and the coworker are engaged, based on a combination of the confirmed coworker and the confirmed location and the relation list. 